This is a farcical ceremony that became popular with travellers stopping in the many inns of Highgate during 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It involves an oath confirming one's commitment to debauchery, and the saluting of animal horns, resulting in participants being awarded the title of "Freemen of Highgate".

The Penny Magazine in April 1832 talked of the Swearing on the Horns ceremonies as "mummeries of a past age, when boisterous merriment was mistaken for happiness".